High court dismisses chief secretary’s application to overturn MDF officers’ stay order

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The High Court in Lilongwe has dismissed an application by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet to discharge a stay order obtained by five senior Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officers, challenging their redeployment to civilian institutions.

Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda ruled that the substantive judicial review proceedings will be heard in open court on January 16, 2026.

The five officers, Major Generals Francis Kakhuta Banda, Swithun Mchungula, Chikunkha Soko, Saiford Kalisha, and Brigadier General Harold Dzoole, had filed an application on November 20, 2025, seeking a stay of their secondments and permission to pursue judicial review.

The court initially granted the stay and leave to commence judicial review, but the hearing was halted following an application by the Attorney General on December 10, 2025, seeking to discharge the stay order.

The redeployment of these senior MDF officers to civilian institutions, including roles as directors of security at state-owned enterprises such as ESCOM, NOCMA, ADMARC, and EGENCO, has sparked controversy.

Critics argue that the move risks politicizing the MDF and undermining its institutional integrity.

Lawyer for the MDF officers, Alan Chinula SC, confirmed that arguments in the judicial review will proceed on the scheduled date, stating, “We have been granted permission to proceed with the judicial review application and interim relief orders against the redeployments”

The court’s decision has been seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate about the government’s handling of security personnel redeployments.

Observers warn that such moves could compromise the independence and effectiveness of national security organs, and call for transparent and justified personnel movements.

The affected officers’ challenge to their redeployment is seen as a test of the government’s commitment to respecting institutional norms and the rule of law.

The outcome of the judicial review is eagerly awaited, with implications for the future of security governance in Malawi.


Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post

Ray J Hospitalized With Severe Pneumonia, Heart Pain in Las Vegas: Report

Ray J is reportedly being treated at a Las Vegas hospital for a severe case of pneumonia.

Ray J, 44, was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, January 6, with pneumonia and heart pains, TMZ reported on Wednesday, January 7, citing a “source close to the R&B singer.”

According to the outlet, Ray J previously suffered from the illness — which affects the lungs and can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, according to the Mayo Clinic — in 2021 and “thought he could die.”

Us Weekly has reached out to Ray J’s team for comment. 

Ray J Accused of Owing 6-Figure Debt Before Arrest, Incident With Ex Princess

A few weeks prior to his hospitalization, Ray J shared an unusual update via Instagram, revealing that he’s part of a new show called Celebrity Hitchhiker

“I’m hitchhiking right now to try to get a place to stay tonight,” he wrote in his December 13 message. “Hopefully I can meet a new family, and it can take me in and teach me about their rules and their goals and life, and then send me on my way to the next destination.”

Ray J had filmed the video in Tampa, Florida, and said that he wanted to make it to Los Angeles in time for Christmas. At the time, he was by himself. 

“I need some food and I need shelter,” he told his followers. “Just a lot of s*** that’s happened. And I just wanna get back home and see my kids. It’s a hitchhiking show, but it’s real though at the same time, and I wanna make it really authentic. I just do it for real on my phone. I mean, I have a camera in there too, but it’s just me.”

Ray J’s Ups and Downs Through the Years: Arrests, Music, Sex Tapes and More

The singer, whose real name is William Ray Norwood, Jr., was arrested on Thanksgiving Day of last year for making threats to his estranged wife, Princess Love. He did an Instagram Live that day, saying that he had “the worst Thanksgiving in the f***ing world.” 

In his Live, he appeared to pull a gun on Love, 41,  and at least one of their children.

“Y’all wanna drive drunk? Y’all wanna drive drunk? Drive drunk. Drive drunk, Princess,” he said, to which Love replied, “Ray, you just pointed a gun— .”

She then called him “a woman abuser.”

Brandy and Ray J’s Mom Sonja Backs Up Son in Kim Kardashian Court Fight

Ray J was released from jail on the day of his arrest, TMZ reported at the time. (Us reached out to his representatives for comment. He has since claimed that he nearly got into a fight with a fellow inmate while behind bars.)

Ray J and Love filmed the early years of their marriage for the VH1 reality series Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood. They tied the knot in 2016 and have filed for divorce multiple times. They share daughter Melody Love, 7, and son Epik Ray, 6. 

Days prior to the incident involving Love, American Express sued Ray J and his company Tronix Network in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing him of owing a massive credit card debt — $139,849.85, to be exact. He allegedly stopped making payments in May 2025. Ray J has yet to respond to the lawsuit.


Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post

‘Heated Rivalry’ Star Hudson Williams Says Closeted Pro Athletes Message Him

“Heated Rivalry” star Hudson Williams is pulling back the curtain on his DMs … revealing he’s been getting messages from pro athletes who say they’re still in the closet. Speaking on “Andy Cohen Live,” Hudson — who plays Shane Hollander in…


Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post

Spencer Pratt Announces He’s Running for Mayor of Los Angeles

Spencer Pratt has announced he’s running for mayor of Los Angeles … test your Pratt-ical knowledge about the TV star! The reality star made the announcement Wednesday in front of a cheering crowd, saying, “This is not just a campaign. This is a…


Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post

Listen to the 911 Audio From Scene of Ohio Dentist Double Murder

Spencer Tepe’s friends rushed to his house when he didn’t show up for work on December 30 … and we’ve obtained the dramatic audio from when the bodies were discovered. As you know, Spencer and his wife, Monique Tepe, were found with gunshot…


Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post

David Harbour Quits ‘Behemoth!’ Movie Starring Pedro Pascal, Olivia Wilde

David Harbour may be taking a short break from Hollywood for a while … he’s reportedly backed out of an upcoming film. Variety reports Harbour has exited the Tony Gilroy-directed drama “Behemoth!” after a recent slew of bad press. Remember ……


Discover more from The Maravi Post

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

The Maravi Post